The core idea behind Vanessa's label " vnf handmade " is to transform natural materials into beautiful home accessories by hand. She explained to me in an interview why she took the plunge into self-employment.
Jess: Vanessa, why are you participating in "With Edges and Corners"?
Vanessa: I'm participating in "With Edges and Corners" because I like the idea that things with small "flaws" also have their charm and we don't always have to throw everything away.
Jess: Describe yourself in three words.
Vanessa:
Vanessa: Actually, I ended up here by chance. During my maternity leave, I started sewing and making jewelry, and exhibiting my work at small craft markets. When I realized I couldn't return to my job as a bookseller, I gradually built up my label. It took a while to find my own style, and now I'm where I feel comfortable, creating things that I personally love. Next up is a small workshop and shop. Life as a freelancer means I can raise my children the way I want, not some company. It means I can be completely myself, that I don't have to pretend, and that I can work with things I truly believe in. But it also means that there are often no weekends, that no one takes care of the tedious paperwork, and that I sometimes miss having colleagues and customers to connect with.
Jess: Was there ever a moment when you thought you'd like to give up or didn't know what to do anymore?
Vanessa: My biggest "defeat" was that I couldn't return to my job. I loved the bookstore and my work there. And I fell into a pretty deep hole when I realized there was no future for me there anymore. And then I channeled all my frustration into creativity…
Jess: Are there things or areas in your life where you are not perfect?
Vanessa: Unfortunately, I'm quite unstructured and a bit chaotic. I often take on too much and then start working without a plan. That takes a lot of energy, but no matter how often I intend to proceed systematically and in an organized way – it just doesn't work.
Jess: Especially when it comes to sustainability, we're often expected to be perfect. Either we always shop without plastic bags, or not at all. My question to you is: Do sustainability and perfection go together? Do we need to change our perspective to some extent?
Vanessa: Nobody's perfect. And that's a good thing. Everyday life often takes over, and it's just not always possible to live sustainably and fairly. The most important thing for me is to think about what sustainability, fairness, and justice mean. Then you're already a whole lot closer to the issue. To grapple with these questions and find a healthy middle ground for yourself. To contribute a small part to making the world a little more livable. If everyone did that, it would be almost "perfect."
Jess: Thank you so much, Vanessa, for the great interview!
If you'd like to learn more about Vanessa and her label, then check out her website or her Instagram account !
Creativity is an integral part of my life, and the opportunity to inspire other people with my products makes me happy (vnf handmade website).
Jess: Vanessa, why are you participating in "With Edges and Corners"?
Vanessa: I'm participating in "With Edges and Corners" because I like the idea that things with small "flaws" also have their charm and we don't always have to throw everything away.
Jess: Describe yourself in three words.
Vanessa:
- A thousand ideas in my head and far too little time to implement them
- I prefer being around people and am curious about new things.
- I can't sit still for five minutes, I always have enough energy for everyone
Vanessa: Actually, I ended up here by chance. During my maternity leave, I started sewing and making jewelry, and exhibiting my work at small craft markets. When I realized I couldn't return to my job as a bookseller, I gradually built up my label. It took a while to find my own style, and now I'm where I feel comfortable, creating things that I personally love. Next up is a small workshop and shop. Life as a freelancer means I can raise my children the way I want, not some company. It means I can be completely myself, that I don't have to pretend, and that I can work with things I truly believe in. But it also means that there are often no weekends, that no one takes care of the tedious paperwork, and that I sometimes miss having colleagues and customers to connect with.
Jess: Was there ever a moment when you thought you'd like to give up or didn't know what to do anymore?
Vanessa: My biggest "defeat" was that I couldn't return to my job. I loved the bookstore and my work there. And I fell into a pretty deep hole when I realized there was no future for me there anymore. And then I channeled all my frustration into creativity…
Jess: Are there things or areas in your life where you are not perfect?
Vanessa: Unfortunately, I'm quite unstructured and a bit chaotic. I often take on too much and then start working without a plan. That takes a lot of energy, but no matter how often I intend to proceed systematically and in an organized way – it just doesn't work.
Jess: Especially when it comes to sustainability, we're often expected to be perfect. Either we always shop without plastic bags, or not at all. My question to you is: Do sustainability and perfection go together? Do we need to change our perspective to some extent?
Vanessa: Nobody's perfect. And that's a good thing. Everyday life often takes over, and it's just not always possible to live sustainably and fairly. The most important thing for me is to think about what sustainability, fairness, and justice mean. Then you're already a whole lot closer to the issue. To grapple with these questions and find a healthy middle ground for yourself. To contribute a small part to making the world a little more livable. If everyone did that, it would be almost "perfect."
Jess: Thank you so much, Vanessa, for the great interview!
If you'd like to learn more about Vanessa and her label, then check out her website or her Instagram account !
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